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BEM 232 22 of 33 DIRECT SUPPORT SERVICES BPB 2026-009 4-1-2026
BRIDGES ELIGIBILITY MANUAL STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
included on the Bridges DHS-839, DSS Counseling Contract Refer- ral, located in Bridges, under correspondence in left navigation. Attach a signed DHS-1555 to the DHS-839 when referring clients for counseling services. Employment and training coordinators or other local office staff may want to organize group counseling sessions, or the specialist should contact the provider of service to ensure that group counseling is available from the provider. The contractor shall certify eligibility for counseling based on client declaration that a need exists for them to fill out the FAST. Client(s) must be willing to participate in case management activities as required by their FSSP or could be found in noncompliance as out- lined in BEM 233A. Counseling treatment may be used for active or pending FIP, CDC, MA or FAP families to provide the following types of services: • Strengthen family systems, which are not related to children’s services, in order to increase employability or stability. • Reduce emotional instability and impulsivity and develop professional work skills and standards. • Provide opportunities for self-exploration, adaptation and new functional behaviors for both the workplace and personal lives. • Provide acceptable solutions to anger management-related barriers. Referral Process The specialist determines the client’s eligibility for services, type of service needed and reason for referral. A counseling contract pro- vider cannot accept DSS funded referrals from any source other than an Employment and Training coordinator or specialist. Providers can be located by accessing the MDHHS-Net, Department Site, Central Office, Financial Services Administration, Office of Contracts and Purchasing, Counseling Contractors. Select the county and type of counseling desired. When it is determined that counseling services are necessary and the client is eligible, the specialist contacts the counselor by phone to discuss the referral. If the counselor agrees to see the client, a written referral must be sent to the counselor using the Bridges